Leyland Cypress Tree Guide

Leyland cypress trees are fast-growing and lush with blue-green foliage. These trees keep their needled leaves all year, creating a natural privacy screen when planted close together. Although they’re easy to maintain, pests and disease can sometimes be a problem. Below, we’ll cover how to grow and care for Leyland cypress trees and what steps you can take to protect them from disease and insect infestations.

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Leyland Cypress Trees at a Glance

• Fast growing: Leyland cypress trees are among the fastest-growing evergreens, capable of gaining up to 3 to 4 feet in height per year under optimal conditions, making them a favorite for quickly establishing a mature landscape.
• Low maintenance: These trees require minimal upkeep once established, needing only occasional pruning to maintain shape and spacing, and they are generally resistant to pests and diseases when properly cared for.
• Excellent for privacy screens: With their dense, towering growth habit and feathery foliage, Leyland cypresses form a thick, evergreen wall that effectively blocks out noise, wind, and unwanted views.
• Green year-round: As evergreens, they maintain their rich green color throughout all seasons, providing continuous visual appeal and coverage no matter the time of year.
• Salt-tolerant: Leyland cypress trees can tolerate moderate levels of salt, making them suitable for coastal areas or roadsides where salt exposure from sea spray or de-icing materials may be a concern.
• Shallow roots: While their roots are not invasive, Leyland cypresses develop shallow root systems that can become stressed in drought or be easily uprooted in high winds, so it’s important to plant them with enough space and provide consistent watering during dry periods.

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Appearance

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Leyland Cypress Tree Specifications

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Hardiness Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones show the best regions to grow various types of plants. Leyland cypress trees thrive in Zones 6–10, across a large swath of the country from the West Coast to the East Coast, with greatest growth from Zones 6–8.

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Planting

The best time to plant your tree is during its dormancy in mid-fall. Plant your Leyland cypress tree in an area with well-drained soil that receives full sunlight to partial shade. Don’t plant your tree directly on the property line, because this fast-growing, massive tree can grow onto your neighbor’s property.

Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball. You want to plant the tree so that is even with the surrounding soil. Gently tease the roots of the tree before you place it in the hole to encourage the roots to grow outward. Backfill the hole with the soil you dug out, and create a ring of mulch around the tree, not letting it touch the trunk. Water your tree every day for one week, then water every other day. By the third week, you can water as needed.

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Growing Conditions

Leyland cypress trees have a reputation for being low-maintenance, as they’re adaptable to a range of sunlight and soil conditions. They don’t even need pruning, unless you want to achieve a specific, consistent height.

• Sun and shade: Leyland cypress trees flourish in full sunlight—at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day. They can also tolerate partial shade.
• Soil: The soil must be well-drained, but other than that, Leyland cypress trees aren’t picky. They will grow in a wide range of soils, including alkaline, acidic, sandy, clay, and loamy.
• Watering: Water your Leyland cypress tree deeply and irregularly, about once a week, giving it about an inch of water total each time. As your tree ages, you can give it water less frequently. Do not use an irrigation system, because that can overwater your tree and lead to root rot.
• Fertilizing: You should fertilize in early spring, before your Leyland cypress tree has new growth. Use a slow-release, balanced fertilizer with an NPK value of 10-10-10. You don’t need to fertilize every year, however.
• Pruning: If left unpruned, Leyland cypress trees will reach great heights. However, they will maintain their pyramidal shape without any intervention. If you want a hedge of a certain height and to encourage dense growth, prune your tree annually.

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Common Problems and Ways to Mitigate

Leyland cypress trees are relatively low-maintenance, but they’re becoming increasingly prone to disease and insect infestations:

• Canker Diseases (e.g., Seiridium or Botryosphaeria canker): These fungal infections can cause branches to turn brown and die back, often starting in the middle of the tree. To prevent and manage canker, avoid pruning during wet weather, sterilize tools between cuts, and remove any infected branches promptly. Good air circulation and reduced plant stress can also help minimize the risk.
• Root Stress and Blowover: Leyland cypresses have shallow root systems, making them vulnerable to drought stress and toppling in strong winds. To mitigate this, ensure they are planted in well-draining soil and spaced properly to allow root expansion. During dry spells, water deeply and mulch around the base to retain moisture and stabilize the soil.
• Overcrowding: Because they grow so quickly and densely, Leyland cypresses can become overcrowded, leading to poor airflow and increased susceptibility to disease. Maintain proper spacing (at least 6–10 feet apart) and consider periodic thinning or selective pruning to improve air movement.
• Browning or Dieback from Drought or Cold Damage: Browning needles and branch tips can result from extreme weather conditions. Keep trees consistently watered, especially in the first few years, and apply mulch to regulate soil temperature and moisture. In colder regions, consider planting windbreaks or placing Leylands in protected areas.
• Bagworms and Spider Mites: These pests can feed on foliage, causing discoloration and defoliation if left unchecked. Inspect trees regularly, especially during warm months, and treat infestations with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Hand-pick bagworms when populations are small to prevent them from spreading.

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FAQ About Leyland Cypress Trees

How far apart should you plant Leyland cypress trees?

To give them adequate room to grow, you should plant Leyland cypress trees at least 6–10 feet apart.

When is the best time to plant Leyland cypress trees?

Plant your Leyland cypress tree in mid-fall when it is dormant.

How long do Leyland cypress trees live?

Leyland cypress trees live about 10–25 years.

Do Leyland cypress trees have invasive roots?

Leyland cypress trees have a shallow, non-invasive root system.